Kristan Uhlenbrock, a scientist, writer, and communicator, leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where she is dedicated to weaving thoughtful science into public conversations and decision-making. Kristan shares the origin story of the Institute for Science and Policy, a unique organization born from a desire to address the growing politicization of science and create a space for nonpartisan, evidence-based dialogue. She describes the institute’s mission to make better decisions as a society by integrating science and evidence into public discourse. Kristan recounts the institute's early days, from its conceptualization in 2018 to navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately broadened their focus to include public health.

She discusses the institute's work in climate change, energy, natural resources, and public health, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and collaboration in tackling these complex, intersectional issues. Kristan details the institute's convening model, which brings together diverse stakeholders to find common ground and develop actionable solutions. She also introduces the new Colorado Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program, a landmark initiative that will place scientists in the state legislature to provide technical expertise and support evidence-based policymaking. She also discusses her podcast, "Laws of Notion," explaining how it uses the power of storytelling to explore complex societal issues, from the energy transition in coal communities to the water crisis in the West.

Episode in a glance

- The Origin Story of the Institute
- Bridging the Gap Between Science and Decision-Making
- The Institute's Focus Areas
- Convenings and Collaborative Problem-Solving
- The Colorado Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program
- The Power of Storytelling and the "Laws of Notion" Podcast

About Kristan Uhlenbrock

Kristan Uhlenbrock is a scientist, writer, and communicator who leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. With a background in marine science and a passion for bridging the gap between science and society, she is dedicated to fostering thoughtful public conversations and evidence-based decision-making. Kristan is also the host of the "Laws of Notion" podcast, where she explores how we can rethink our ideas to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Connect with Kristan Uhlenbrock and her work:

Laws of Notion Podcast → https://lawsofnotion.org/

Institute for Science and Policy → http://institute.dmns.org/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhlenbrock/

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Kristan Uhlenbrock, who leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, is a scientist, writer, and communicator dedicated to bridging the gap between science, policy, and community. Her journey from a free-roaming kid in rural Indiana to a leading voice in public discourse on climate change is a testament to the power of curiosity, connection, and embracing the messiness of it all.

Kristan shares her origin story, recounting how a childhood spent exploring the creeks and forests of southeast Indiana nurtured a deep love for nature. She describes her unexpected path into science, from being a "pre-med kid" to discovering her passion for chemistry and marine science, a journey that took her from the heartland to the coasts of Florida. Kristan explains how her academic pursuits evolved from pure research to a fascination with the social and political dimensions of environmental issues, leading her to write op-eds, engage with local leaders, and eventually find her way to the world of science policy in Washington D.C.

She offers valuable insights on how to find your voice and engage in public discourse, emphasizing the importance of approaching conversations with humility, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand different perspectives. Kristan discusses the "messiness" of both science and people, advocating for an embrace of uncertainty and a willingness to learn from failure. She shares her philosophy that being kind to yourself is the first step toward creating positive change in the world.

Episode in a glance

- A Childhood Rooted in Nature
- The Winding Path from Pre-Med to Marine Science
- Finding a Voice in Science and Policy
- How to Engage with Leaders and Find Your Voice
- Embracing the "Messiness" of Science and People
- Advice for a Younger Self Be Kind

About Kristan Uhlenbrock

Kristan Uhlenbrock is a scientist, writer, and communicator who leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. With a background in marine science and a passion for bridging the gap between science and society, she is dedicated to fostering thoughtful public conversations and evidence-based decision-making. Kristan is also the host of the "Laws of Notion" podcast, where she explores how we can rethink our ideas to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Connect with Kristan Uhlenbrock and her work

Laws of Notion Podcast → https://lawsofnotion.org/

Institute for Science and Policy → http://institute.dmns.org/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhlenbrock/

Send us a message!

Did you know that Columbus, Ohio generates a staggering one million pounds of food waste per day?

But the city taking concrete steps towards sustainability, and Aryeh Alex, its Sustainability Manager, is leading the charge. The city's ambitious Climate Action Plan has already seen success with its weekly recycling program. The new food scrap drop-off program, specifically targeting underserved communities, has collected an astounding 30,000 pounds of food scraps in just six months. Alex discussed the recently launched waste and reuse convenience centers, offering residents a free way to recycle and reuse items like electronics, clothing, and furniture. But perhaps most inspiring is Alex's vision for a circular economy in Columbus, a system that could create a thousand new jobs by transforming discarded materials, such as red solo cups, into valuable resources like marble tiles. The city's dedication to sustainability is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also empowering its residents and fostering a greener future.

Episode in a glance

- The Columbus's Climate Action Plan
- Waste reduction and the concept of a circular economy
- The potential for Food Rescue
- The success of Food Rescue Columbus
- Waste diversion successes in Columbus
- The Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers
- Aryeh's vision for a thousand circular economy jobs

About Aryeh Alex

Aryeh Alex is the Executive Director of Keep Columbus Beautiful and the Sustainability Manager for the City of Columbus, Ohio. In these roles, he leads the city's residential recycling, organic waste, waste reduction, community education, and volunteer litter programs. Aryeh also serves as the Sustainability Coordinator for the Division of Refuse Collection and is a Commissioner of the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks.

Connect with Aryeh Alex & Keep Columbus Beautiful

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/keepcolumbusbeautifuloh/

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@keepcbusbeautiful

X/Twitter → https://x.com/kcbcolumbus

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/company/keep-columbus-beautiful

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